Let's be honest, screens are everywhere. And while Christian apps and Bible videos have their place, there's something irreplaceable about unplugging and teaching your kids about God the old-fashioned way: through connection, conversation, and real-life experiences.
If you're wondering how to raise godly children in a world that's constantly buzzing with notifications, you're not alone. The good news? Some of the most powerful ways to teach children about God don't require Wi-Fi, batteries, or a subscription.
Here are 10 screen-free ways to build your child's faith while strengthening your family bonds at the same time.
1. Read the Bible Together (But Make It Interactive)
Yes, this one's obvious, but hear me out. Instead of just reading at your kids, make it a conversation. Ask questions like, "What do you think David felt when he faced Goliath?" or "Why do you think Jesus chose fishermen as disciples?"
Let younger kids act out the stories with toys or costumes. Older kids can journal about what they're reading. The goal isn't perfection: it's engagement.
Pro tip: Start with one chapter or story at a time. Consistency beats length every single day.
2. Memorize Scripture as a Family
Memorizing verses together creates a shared spiritual language in your home. Pick one verse per week or month (depending on your kids' ages) and say it together at breakfast, in the car, or before bed.
Make it fun: turn it into a song, create hand motions, or write it on a poster board everyone can see daily. When your kids can recall God's Word in tough moments, you've given them a lifelong tool.
3. Pray Out Loud Together
Prayer doesn't have to be formal or fancy. Let your kids hear you pray authentically: thanking God for the little things, asking for help with real struggles, and interceding for others.
Then let them pray too. Even if it's just "God, thank You for pizza," you're teaching them that God hears and cares about everything.
Need help? Check out 365 Days of Praying the Scriptures for Your Children: a powerful resource to guide your family's prayer life throughout the year.
4. Take Faith Walks in Nature
God's creation is one of the best classrooms. Take a walk and talk about how everything points back to the Creator. Let your kids collect leaves, rocks, or flowers while discussing Psalm 19:1: "The heavens declare the glory of God."
Ask questions like, "How does a tiny seed know how to become a tree?" or "Why do you think God made so many different kinds of birds?" These conversations plant seeds of wonder and reverence.
5. Sing Worship Songs Together
You don't need a worship band or perfect pitch. Sing in the car, at the dinner table, or while cleaning up toys. Music sticks in kids' brains in ways sermons never will.
Teach them hymns, contemporary worship songs, or even make up your own simple songs about God's character. Singing together builds joy and unity while reinforcing truth.
6. Tell Bible Stories at Bedtime
Swap out one fictional bedtime story per week for a Bible story told in your own words. Don't just read it: tell it like you're sharing the most exciting adventure ever (because you are).
Younger kids love stories about Noah, Daniel, or Zacchaeus. Older kids might connect with stories of Joseph's resilience or Esther's courage. Make it personal, ask questions, and let their imaginations run wild.
7. Serve Together as a Family
Faith isn't just something we talk about: it's something we live out. Bake cookies for a neighbor, visit someone who's lonely, volunteer at church, or clean up a local park together.
As you serve, talk about why you're doing it. "Jesus said when we help others, it's like we're helping Him." Service transforms faith from theory to practice and shows kids what love looks like in action.
8. Start a Family Prayer Journal
Get a notebook and write down prayer requests together. Date them, and come back later to see how God answered. Let your kids draw pictures, write their own prayers, or stick in photos of people you're praying for.
This tangible record builds faith because kids can actually see God at work. It becomes a family testimony they can look back on for years.
9. Have Regular "God Conversations"
Don't wait for formal devotion time. Talk about God naturally throughout the day. When something good happens: "God is so good to us!" When something's hard: "Let's ask God to help us."
Answer their questions honestly (even if your answer is "I don't know, but let's find out together"). Make faith something that's woven into everyday life, not compartmentalized into Sunday mornings.
10. Use a Family Discipleship Curriculum
If you want a structured approach that still keeps screens away, GROWTH – A Family Discipleship Curriculum is designed specifically to help you disciple your children intentionally without relying on technology.
It guides you through biblical concepts in age-appropriate ways and gives you tools to make faith discussions natural and consistent. Think of it as a roadmap when you're not sure where to start.
Why Screen-Free Matters
Screens aren't evil, but they do create distance. When you teach your kids about God without a device between you, you create space for:
- Eye contact that builds trust
- Questions that lead to deeper understanding
- Presence that says "you matter"
- Memories that last longer than any app
Research shows that families who intentionally unplug report stronger relationships, less conflict, and kids who pay better attention. But beyond the research, there's something sacred about being fully present with the people God entrusted to you.
Finding More Resources
If you're looking for even more ways to raise godly children intentionally, explore Oluwapelumi Boluwaji's books on Amazon. These resources are designed to equip parents like you with practical, biblical tools for everyday discipleship.
And don't forget to check out more encouragement and ideas at Intentional Godly Parenting: a community of parents committed to raising the next generation to know and love Jesus.
A Prayer for This Week
"Father, thank You for the privilege of teaching our children about You. Help us to be intentional, creative, and consistent. Give us eyes to see the everyday moments where we can point our kids to Your truth. When we feel overwhelmed or inadequate, remind us that You've equipped us for this calling. Fill our homes with Your presence and draw our children's hearts to Yourself. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Practical Action Steps for This Week
- Choose one activity from the list above that feels doable for your family right now
- Schedule it on your calendar, literally write it down (Tuesday at 7 PM: Bible story time)
- Remove one screen distraction during family time this week (phones in another room during dinner, for example)
- Invite your kids into the planning process: ask them which activity sounds most fun to them
- Celebrate the small wins: if you did it once this week, that's progress worth celebrating
Remember, you're not trying to become the perfect Christian family. You're simply creating space for God to work in your home, one screen-free moment at a time.
The goal isn't perfection. It's connection. It's showing your kids that knowing God is the greatest adventure they'll ever have: and it doesn't require batteries.
What screen-free activity will you try first this week?